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Summertime is the time to embrace the outdoors. As a child we were outside every lit moment of the day. During COVID my husband and I made even more time to create a safe place in our backyard, growing a garden, working on projects and making changes to make things easier into the future. We always look forward to the Fourth of July to light fireworks, watch the light show, and gather with family and friends. My husband also loves popping fireworks. Me, not so much - you see while firework safety is important, growing up, somehow that message did not quite make it down to us as children in those days. My two sisters and I had an uncle and two aunts who paralleled our age. As such, they were
our playmates. As can be imagined, my uncle was a terror. He talked us into holding fireworks in our hand after we lit them. On one particular occasion he bent a Black Cat firework in half to expose the powder, lit it, and held it up. Then he urged us to do the same. I was the only one to fall for his pestering after he called us "fraidy cats". I still recall holding the firework, lighting it up, then feeling the burn as the powder had spilled over onto my hand, and caught on fire! This was an example for us all. After that, I never held, or cut into a firework again. As for my uncle, he then urged me to hold a lit Roman Candle firework. And despite his taunting, the mark and memory from the first burn was reason enough to think twice about that decision. Nevertheless, summertime with my familia, was always the best, especially on the Fourth of July. Someone from my family would go to the lake to reserve the "family spot" annually, and a day or so before. They would make sure that we were under many trees and central to the lake. Each of my tias, as well as my mother, would prepare fabulous side dishes like potato salad, beans, rice, chilé, and salad. The men would prepare grilled meat including brisket, hamburgers, hotdogs, tripas, and so much more. Lots of tea and giant jugs of Kool-Aid, which formed rings around our mouths from drinking so much of it, topped the tasty Latino-style barbecue. There was always plenty of food for those who didn't have family to spend with, or the extra friends that always managed to tag along, or stop by our spot. The evening was topped with fireworks. As we drove away from the lake, we would watch the last minute fireworks burst in the sky; but soon the evening breeze and the soothing of the motor would lull us to sleep. Being with my family made me proud and brought such contentment. We are an All-American familia proud to live in the land of the free. The last two years, many families were forced to stay together because of the pandemic. But something happened - many reconnected and enjoyed the time at home and with each other. My little familia and I hung out in our little pool, we started having coffee outside, as well as cooking and eating at our picnic table. We cherish the memories and still continue to make more. On that note, we urge you to join us August 6, 2022, for our 14th Annual "Vamos a Pescar, Let's Go Fishing" FREE event. Our objective is strengthening families, and building community. We use fishing as a hook to bring families together, and experience fishing in a relaxing and safe environment with family and friends. It's free and its safe. You can pre-register at www.letsgofishinglubbock.com Y como siempre, Latino Lubbock is committed to highlighting the numerous contributions of our Latino community. Thank you to those who support our publication. We are grateful to have 100,000 readers monthly. Please continue to support our advertisers who help make it possible to keep our publication free. Thank you for your support and May God bless you! ¡Gracias por su apoyo! Que dios los bendiga. PEACE and random acts of kindness. Que las bendiciones de dios estén contigo en abril y siempre! Happy 4th of July! Be safe! Sinceramente, Christy Martinez-Garcia,
Publisher/Owner & Latino Market Specialist “Lubbock News from a Latino Perspective” Celebrating 16 Years of Commitment to our Community
Celebrating the Fourth of July
Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United
States com memo - rating
the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, and political speeches and ceremonies, in addition to various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States. Independence Day is the national day of the United States. Celebración del Cuatro de Julio
El Día de la Independencia de los Estados Unidos (Independence Day o The Fourth of July en inglés) es el día de fiesta nacional que se celebra el 4 de julio en los Estados Unidos. Este día marca la firma de la Declaración de Independencia en 1776 en la cual el país proclamó su separación formal del Imperio británico. Usualmente se celebra con muchas actividades al aire libre como desfiles, juegos de béisbol y espectáculos de fuegos artificiales.
Info About Firework Safety
Fireworks and celebrations go together, especially during the Fourth o f July and year end celebrations. Remember, fireworks can be dangerous, causing serious burn and eye injuries. You can help us prevent fireworksrelated injuries and deaths. How? By working with a national, state or local organization where you live to promote fireworks safety in your community. Here are some ideas on what you can do. Fireworks Safety Tips:
• Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks • Read and follow all warnings and instructions • Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks. • Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves, and flammable materials. •Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned. • Keep a bucket of water in case of a malfunction or fire. Consejos de seguridad sobre fuegos artificiales
Los fuegos artificiales y las celebraciones van de la mano. Pero los fuegos artificiales pueden ser peligrosos y ocasionar graves quemaduras y lesiones en los ojos. Si fuegos artificiales son legales donde usted vive y decide usarlos asegúrese de seguir estos importantes consejos de seguridad: Consejos de seguridad para los fuegos artificiales: • Nunca deje a los niños jugar o encender fuegos artificiales. • Lea y siga todas las advertencias e instrucciones. • Asegúrese de que otras personas se encuentren fuera del alcance (los fuegos artificiales antes de encender). • Nunca trate de volver a encender fuegos artificiales que han funcionado com-
no ple tamente al primer in- tento. • Nunca trate de volver a encender fuegos artificiales que no han fun- cionado completamente al primer intento. • Mantenga un cubo o balde de agua junto a usted en caso de que se produzca un mal funcionamiento o incendio.
Community & Event Brieflies
32ND ANNUAL FOURTH ON BROADWAY 2022
theme is “United We Stand.” Applications for parade entries as well as merchandise and food vendors also are available online. To learn more about this year’s Fourth on Broadway at Mackenzie Park or to sign up to participate in the various events, visit www.broadwayfestivals.com or call 806749-2929. COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE at the Centers - including Maggie Trejo, Mae Simmons, Maxey, Lubbock Adult & Copper Rawlings! Free admission for those not renting a booth, on Saturday, July 9, 2022, at 9 am – 1 pm. TEX-MEX COOKING Learn to cook authentic Mexican dishes., then lunch on your own recipe. Pre register in advance by Thursday before class at 806.767.2704. The class will be held July 9, 2022 at 10 am – 12 pm, @ Copper Rawlings, 213 40th St.
SUMMER HIGH NOON CON-
CERT ON WEDNESDAYS every Wednesday through August from 12 pm (noon) to 1 pm at the Lubbock County Courthouse Gazebo. This is a FREE concert for everyone. FREE PRACTICE EXAMS Study guides for tests Learn-a-Test, a database of practice examinations, is available at the Lubbock Public Library, 1306 9th St. Hundreds of practice examinations, including SAT, ACT and elementary, middle school and high school skills improvement tests, plus graduate entrance exams, available.
FREE LEGAL AID FOR THOSE
WHO QUALIFY Legal Aid of Northwest Texas provides free legal services to eligible low-income residents in such areas as public assistance denials, divorce and child support, evictions, foreclosures, domestic violence and consumer fraud. Call 763-4557 or (800) 933-4557 or visitlanwt.org for more info.
2-1-1 NON-EMERGENCY QUES-
TIONS 2-1-1 is a free help line answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, which will link you to health and community services.
Latino Lubbock MagazinE WiLL bE
TXHAF is Ready to Help Texas Homeowners in Need
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) surpassed $50 million in home loan and related housing expense payments distributed to over 7,000 Texas households impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the Texas Homeowner Assistance Fund (TXHAF), eligible Texans affected by the pandemic can catch up on past-due home loan, property tax, property insurance and homeowner or condo assication payments. “I’ve had a pretty rough couple of years, and I am grateful to get some help that I desperately needed to stay in my home,” Vicki Drake, Angelina County homeowner said. “The Texas Homeowner Assistance application was very straightforward, and I even got a call from an agent who helped me upload the required documents. I’ve already recommended the program to several people.” Through TXHAF, eligible applicants can receive up to $65,000 in assistance for loans secured for manufactured housing, traditional home mortgages, and contracts for deed or land contract. Of the $65,000, up to $25,000 could be used to pay past due property taxes, homeowners’ insurance and homeowner association fees. The total amount of assistance per household cannot exceed $65,000. To qualify, homeowners must have a household income at or below 100% of the Area Median Income or 100% of the U.S. Median Income, whichever is greater. They also must have experienced a qualified financial hardship such as an increase in expenses or loss of income after January 21, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Full eligibility criteria is available at TexasHomeownerAssistance. com. TXHAF is not only helping thousands of Texas homeowners in need, but also county governments across the state recover delinquent property taxes. “Several people in our community have lost family members, lost their jobs and have gotten sick, so they have fallen behind on their mortgages and property taxes. This has been an amazing program to help those taxpayers,” Maria O. Pasillas, El Paso tax assessor said. “I’ve heard from many citizens who are pleased with how easy it is to apply and get through on the phone for help with the application. I’m sure there are many more of our citizens out there who need assistance, and I encourage them to apply.” TDHCA still has over $600 million available and waiting for those in need. Homeowners can review the program eligibility criteria and apply online at TexasHomeownerAssistance. com. TDHCA is also contracting with intake centers throughout the state for this program so homeowners can get in-person help with the application process. Intake centers and locations will be announced soon. “We encourage Texas homeowners in need of assistance to take advantage of this opportunity,” explained Bobby Wilkinson, TDHCA’s executive director. “We know many Texans were affected financially by the pandemic, and we’re doing our utmost to get them back on stable financial ground.” For questions, the call center is staffed Monday- Friday 8 a.m.- 6 p.m and can be reached toll free at 833-651-3874. Help is available in multiple languages.
¿Que Piensas?
We know our readers have a lot to say! Mail letters to Latino Lubbock “Letters to the Editor,” Box 6473 Lubbock, TX 79493, o r email them to news@latinolubbock.net. Please include your name, address, and contact phone number. Mailed letters must be signed. Please note that unsigned letters will not be published. Letters are limited to 100 words, depending on space availability, some longer will be included. Writers are limited to one letter per month. Submissions may be edited for clarity or space consideration. Letters are not acknowledged. Opinions expressed in
letters and Op-Ed articles do not necessarily represent the views of Latino Lubbock Magazine.
PRAYERS FOR UVALDE
I'm still heartbroken about Uvalde. I cannot believe the news and the hesitance to help these children. All these deaths could have been avoided. I truly feel for the families who lost a loved one, and I feel for the town. I was glad to hear that there are local efforts heart to be prepared for an active shooter. At the same time, it is sad to know that we have to do this. John Garza
Carta Abierta
CLEAN UP FIREWORKS
Here we go again, I hope that people clean up their fireworks after they pop them. We go through this every year. I don't understand that if they are illegal why they allow them to be sold inside the city limits? I don't dislike them, I just don't like when people leave their trash behind and then they keep popping fireworks months after the 4th of July! Folks, remember that you reap what you sow. Thanks, Rudy
RAZA ON THE PLAZA
Magic we love you, but we still haven't gotten over the fact that you moved Raza on the Plaza. Please bring it back to downtown. Thanks for all you do. Sincerely, Rita C. Hernandez
LATINO LUBBOCK UPDATE
We're loving the Latino Lubbock Update by Latino Lubbock Magazine and Christy on Trends & Friends on Thursdays. It's very informative, and it makes us proud to see a Latina on TV. Also, thanks for sharing our jamaica! We truly appreciate you! Familia Jaquez
DELIVER MORE AT AMIGOS
Can we get more newspaper at the Amigos location. They run out quick and I miss it then I have to go look for it. Fortunately, I found it at Joel's Restaurant, but I like to get it at the store when I get my groceries. This is a good newspaper and you do a good thing. Continued Blessings, Rogelio
COVER CONTEST
ONLINE LLM IS AWESOME
We love the online version of Latino Lubbock! The colors and quality are wonderful. We love Latino Lubbock! But we still pick up a copy cause my husband loves it. Thanks for all ya'll do! Rita Cervantes When is Latino Lubbock going to do the cover contest story again? I really liked that and I would like to enter my name cause we got a big family with a good story. I like the covers and I like the pictures and the stories. Keep up the good work. Mary S. Rodriguez
Important Numbers
Police (Non-Emergency) call 763-5333
Fire (Non-Emergency) call 765-5757
Emergencies call 9-1-1 Program/Service info, call 2-1-1
City services, call 3-1-1
Voting Info, call 4-1-1 City - call 775-3000. www.ci.lubbock.tx.us
County - call 775-1000 www.co.lubbock.tx.us LISD - call 766-1000 www.lubbockisd.org
Latino Lubbock Magazine (806)792-1212 news@latinolubbock.net www.latinolubbock.net
LATINO LUBBOCK DEADLINE NEWS & INFO, 18TH ADVERTISING THE 21ST
Politics/ política
HERE'S TO NEW BEGINNINGS: The KCBD staff signed off at their last show at their old building that they had been at for over 40 years. They moved to a new state of the art studio that will afford them a chance to do news weather, and sports in a high technology environment located at 9800 University Ave.! Congratulations from your friends at Latino Lubbock Magazine!
Visit us online at www.latinolubbock.net
Programmer Analyst III
Perform programmer analyst job duties in support of TTUHSC business requirements in Lubbock, TX. Requires: Bach deg in Comp Sci, MIS, IT, or rltd field, and 3 yrs exp working/w: IBM Cognos financial program; report tools (ex. SQL Developer, Access); and Data Analysis/Business Intelligence (BI); OR Mast deg and 1 yr of exp in same areas. Apply at www.ttuhsc.edu/jobs/ Req#29060BR. Texas Tech Univ. Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th St., Lubbock, TX 79430 EOE/AA
Feds Taking First Steps Toward Revising Race, Ethnic Terms
BY MIKE SCHNEIDER
The federal government is taking preliminary steps toward revising racial and ethnic classifications that have not been changed in a quarter century following calls for more accurate categories for how people identify themselves in federal data gathering. The revisions could open the door to changes long desired by advocates on census and survey forms. Among them are a new category for people of Middle Eastern and North African descent who currently are classified as white and efforts to make categories less confusing for Hispanic participants. The chief statistician of the U.S. said in a blog post Wednesday that her office was initiating a formal review of the race and ethnicity classifications maintained by the Office of Management and Budget which were first outlined in 1977 and have not been revised since 1997. The purpose of any changes to the standards will be to better reflect the diversity of the U.S., said Karin Orvis, the chief statistician, who was named to the position by the Biden administration earlier this year. The review will wrap up by summer 2024 after getting input from government experts across agencies and public feedback, according to the chief statistician. That date would be months before a presidential election that could lead to a stop to any revisions if there's a change in administrations. Momentum for changing the classifications grew in the years leading up to the 2020 census, but it was halted after thenPresident Donald Trump took office in 2017. “I understand the importance of moving quickly and with purpose," Orvis said. “It is also important that we get this right." Besides helping to provide a portrait of the demographic makeup of the U.S., the categories are used to enforce civil rights, voting rights and employment discrimination laws. Under current classifications, race and Hispanic origin are separate categories on census forms and surveys. Some advocates have been pushing for combining the race and Hispanic origin questions, saying the way race is categorized often confuses Hispanic respondents who are not sure how to answer. Tests by the Census Bureau in the 2010 census showed that combining the questions yielded higher response rates. The need to change the current standards can be seen in 2020 census results in which the “some other race" category surpassed African Americans as the nation's secondlargest racial group. The “some other race" category was made up overwhelmingly of Latinos, said Arturo Vargas, executive director of NALEO Educational Fund. “Right now, the Census Bureau knows the way it collects data is fundamentally flawed. It’s confusing and distorts the true nature of our nation’s diversity,” Vargas said. “For the Latino population, the current construct is flawed when it comes to Latinos being able to identify themselves as Latino and by the race category.” Advocates also have been pushing for a category of Middle Eastern and North African, also known as MENA, for the once-adecade census and other federal demographic surveys. The Census Bureau recommended adding a MENA category to the 2020 census form, but the idea was dropped by the Trump administration. Several U.S. House members equated the lack of a MENA category to “the longstanding erasure of a group of our fellow Americans" in a letter this week to Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young and Census Bureau Director Robert Santos. “OMB standards determine how our political institutions distribute material resources, political representation, and research funding," said the letter from 18 House Democrats, including Michigan's U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, the lone Palestinian American in Congress. “These resources are vital components of growth and development for any minority community, particularly those who experience historical barriers to meeting basic needs and accessing support." Meanwhile, Asian communities also have been calling for more nuanced details. Grouping Asians together in a single race category masks wide variations among different Asian groups, according to advocates. “Aggregated data points in health, education and other issues perpetuate the persistent and pernicious myth that all Asian Americans are affluent and well-educated — by not allowing for a deeper dive into the differences within subgroups," said Terry Ao Minnis, an official at Asian Americans Advancing Justice ' AAJC. For many civil rights groups, updating the categories has been a priority for years. “We have been calling for urgency on this matter,” Vargas said. “We are heartened that we are seeing some movement.”
53 Migrants Dead in Deadliest Smuggling Case
On June 29th, San Antonio officials said that the number of migrants who died after being trapped in a tractor-trailer on June 27 reached 53. Forty-six migrants were declared dead at the scene, and five of the 16 migrants found alive in the sweltering trailer have since died after being taken to hospitals. Local officials said that 39 of the victims were men and 12 were women. Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard tweeted that the dead include 22 Mexicans, seven Guatemalans and two Hondurans. Officials are still trying to determine the identities and nationalities of some of the victims; Bexar County Commissioner Rebeca Clay-Flores said 34 of the victims have been identified so far. No other information about the victims was shared during a press conference in San Antonio. In a statement, the U.S. attorney for the Western District of Texas, Ashley C. Hoff, said of the dead and hospitalized: “All were the apparent victims of human smugglers indifferent to the well-being of human life. The South Texas heat is brutal this time of year, especially given the recent record-high temperatures. We will continue to work with the Homeland Security Investigations and the local responders to identify and bring those who were responsible for this tragedy to justice.”
